Leadership and Learning

By CALF President and CEO Dwight Ferguson

This month’s In Touch reminded me of the John C. Maxwell quote, “If you want to lead you need to grow.” It supports our well-known mission statement and influences so much of what we do, as evidenced by the updates below.

I also appreciate the Maxwell quote, “Good leaders are always good learners,” which might explain why attendance has been so good at many of our recent gatherings and lifelong learning events. Pursuit of lifelong learning is a tie that binds all of us and the need for leadership and learning in California agriculture is as high as ever, just like our commitment to help provide it.

As always, contact me at dferguson@agleaders.org or 831-585-1030 with any comments or questions.

Class 53 Selection

Class 53 selection interviews are underway throughout the state. This is a full-day commitment and requires attending a virtual orientation and a fair amount of pre-work prior to the screening session. Alumni interested in serving on a selection committee in future years should contact Judy Sparacino.

Leaders are Readers Book Club

STILL TIME TO REGISTER FOR AUG. 2-9 SESSIONS

Malcolm Gladwell, host of the Revisionist History podcast and author of the No. 1 New York Times bestseller "Outliers," offers a powerful examination of our interactions with strangers – and why they often go wrong. The book is an intellectual adventure, a challenging and controversial excursion through history, psychology and scandals taken straight from the news.

MORE INFORMATION

Deanna van Klaveren (32)

Upcoming First Fridays

Hosted on the first Friday of each month, these one-hour virtual events bring individuals and panelists in to expand on curriculum topics from the program, share personal leadership stories, provide awareness of leadership opportunities and offer exposure to broaden perspectives. More details will be shared as they become available for August and September.

Have You Updated Your Online Alumni Directory Listing?

FIRST-TIME VISITORS to the alumni directory (launched on May 24): Please use your primary email and click on forgot password. You will receive an email to create your new password and receive your username. If you don't see the email in your inbox, check your spam folder.

RETURNING: Use your username to log in (do not use your email address).

If you need additional support, please contact Deanna van Klaveren (32) / 209-765-2476.

Region 4 Summer Social at the Fair

Network, socialize and enjoy a fun evening with alumni, fellows, staff and friends. The first drink is on us!

DATE / TIME / LOCATION

Thursday, July 13 / 6 - 8 p.m.

Stanislaus County Fairgrounds

900 N. Broadway, Turlock

RSVP

Yvonne Sams (45)

Deanna van Klaveren (32)

Sporting Clay Shoot to Benefit CALF

We're less than one month away – register today! We're also seeking sponsors and volunteers for this great event!

DATE / TIME / LOCATION

Saturday, Aug. 5 / 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Quail Point Hunt Club / Zamora

QUESTIONS?

Steve Garland (44) / 916-801-2715

Deanna van Klaveren (32) / 209-765-2476

2023 International Leadership Alumni Conference

Learn about opportunities and issues facing western ag producers. Attendees will tour area farms and ranches and celebrate the cowboy culture.

DATE / LOCATION

Sept. 18 - 20

Cody, Wyo.

HOTEL INFORMATION

Reserve your room in the conference room block by July 17.

PREVIEW WEBINAR

Join this webinar to learn more about Wyoming and get a preview of the conference.

July 26 / 5 - 6 p.m. / Register

QUESTIONS?

Deanna van Klaveren (32) / 209-765-2476

2024 Alumni Conference: Join Us in Monterey!

We are excited to gather our Ag Leadership alumni for lifelong leadership learning, socializing and networking! The committee will be planning an outstanding lineup of speakers, sessions and events. More details will be provided in the months ahead.

The 2024 ILAC will be held June 26, 2024 in Monterey and is open to Ag Leadership alumni. More details to come.

More Upcoming Events

Region 5 Alumni Social

Aug. 23 / Dust Bowl Brewing Co. / Monterey

Region 9 Golf Tournament > DETAILS

Sept. 11 / Camarillo

International Leadership Alumni Conference > DETAILS

Sept. 18 - 20 / Wyoming

Class 53 Inauguration

Oct. 5 / Fresno

Stay tuned for additional summer socials.

I Grew with Ag Leadership

This month we feature Francis Ford Coppola Winery Director of Winemaking Andrea Card (38) in our outreach campaign! Click the button below to read the compelling testimonials from Andrea and several other alumni. The campaign is also featured on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn – follow us!